GoAbroad

Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is a transformative journey that goes beyond the classroom, offering you the chance to fully engage with a new culture, broaden your worldview, and build essential skills for your future career. Studying in a different country will help you become more adaptable, strengthens cross-cultural communication, and enhances problem-solving abilities. With diverse academic opportunities lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a full year, studying abroad will help you to grow both personally and professionally.
Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

This Month’s Recommended Study Abroad Programs

London, United Kingdom
4.531855 reviews

AIFS Abroad

AIFS Abroad logo
Study Abroad and Discover the World with AIFS!

Traveling and seeing the world doesn’t necessarily mean taking a break from your studies. Study abroad with AIFS and broaden your academic knowledge while learning about foreign cultures!Serving more than 1.5 million students since 1964, AIFS is a reco...

ISA
4.691356 reviews

WorldStrides

WorldStrides logo
Research Study Abroad in Geneva, Switzerland

Spend a semester in Switzerland, where stunning Alpine scenery, sparkling lakes, and an international atmosphere create the perfect setting for academic discovery. Study at the University of Geneva, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, and jo...

University Studies Abroad Consortium
4.381693 reviews

University Studies Abroad Consortium

University Studies Abroad Consortium logo
USAC THAILAND: Khon Kaen - Business, Marketing, and More

The colorful, vibrant country of Thailand is considered the "land of smiles," and for good reason: the friendliness and hospitality of the Thai people, 95 percent of whom are Buddhist, will enrich your experience living there. Khon Kaen is located in t...

Nice
4.2361 reviews

EF Education First

EF Education First logo
EF Language Abroad – Nice, France

Learn French in Nice with EF Language Abroad and experience the perfect mix of language learning and Riviera living. EF’s French program in Nice is an unforgettable way to study abroad and live like a local.Located on the sun-soaked Côte d’Azur, EF’s i...

Barcelona
4.54112 reviews

Expanish

Expanish logo
Study Abroad in Barcelona - Summer Session

Spend your summer studying in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most exciting and culturally rich cities. The Expanish Summer Program allows students to earn academic credit while exploring Spanish and Catalan culture through engaging coursework and cultural ...

Seamester
4.65123 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea logo
Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to pro...

international students at the Great Wall of China
4.7573 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

Go Abroad China Ltd. logo
Study Chinese in China | Top Universities & Homestay

Join Go Abroad China's University Chinese Language Program to master Mandarin at China's most prestigious institutions, including Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), Peking University, and Fudan University. Designed for all proficiency leve...

student in Paris
4.57215 reviews

SAI Programs

SAI Programs logo
SAI Study Abroad at Paris College of Art (Paris, France)

Paris College of Art (PCA) is a premier art and design school rooted in the rich artistic landscape of Paris. For over 30 years, the school has offered visiting and degree seeking students the opportunity to engage with the Parisian art scene while dev...

Centro MundoLengua
4.52143 reviews

Centro MundoLengua

Centro MundoLengua logo
Semester Abroad in Spain (official university credits)

Want to live abroad in Spain and gain official university credits in your desired field of study while enjoying an authentic Spanish immersion experience? Come and study with Centro MundoLengua! We are a dedicated Spanish center that has signed agreeme...

How to Study Abroad

Types

Types of Study Abroad Programs

There are three common types of study abroad programs:

  1. Direct enrollment. This program allows you to study abroad in an international university, often alongside local students. Your course choices may be limited to classes in English, classes for international students, or classes designed for study abroad students, such as language and area studies. In some cases, you might be able to choose any courses offered at the university. These programs are ideal for any student and are usually the desired choice for upperclassmen who need classes in their major.
  2. Provider or University Program. The second type of study abroad program is one designed entirely by a study abroad provider or a university for international study abroad students. While there may be less interaction with local students, the curriculum may be ideally suited for you and other international students. You may also study alongside peers from around the world. These programs may last a week, a summer, a semester, or a year.
  3. Customized Program. The final type of study abroad is the customized program, or often referred to as the faculty-led program. This is a study abroad opportunity designed specifically for a group of students from one university and may or may not be hosted by an international university. This might include a research project in the field with other students and researchers, or it may be as simple as a trip organized by your professor visiting key destinations in his/her course.

There are other types of study abroad opportunities, including service learning for university credit, internships abroad for academic credit, non-credit study abroad, including language school learning, or study programs abroad, excluding any credit. You might also consider an exchange program, which is typically a reciprocal agreement between your home university and another university, allowing students to swap places and pay their home tuition and fees.

Why

Why Study Abroad

The majority of students who study abroad report it to be their most significant learning experience during the university program. Students also often report studying abroad as a life-changing experience. It is one of the activities that will help you perform better overall at university, engage more with your classmates and faculty, and improve your communication skills and academic performance. There are dozens of convincing reasons you should consider studying abroad.

Whether or not you study abroad for credit and how you utilize that credit is up to you. For many students, this may be the most important question. Ask yourself important questions to decide why studying abroad might be a great choice for you. Do you want to satisfy some degree requirements? Check off some general studies or core requirements? Do you need a foreign language proficiency for your major? Do you feel like some parts of the world may be better settings for courses in your major?

You might start by making a checklist of your goals in study abroad. If your number one goal is to see Angkor Wat, any program to Cambodia might satisfy your goal. If your primary goal is to take Advanced Nuclear Physics, you need to find a program that offers this class, teaches in English, and allows international students to enroll in advanced courses in Nuclear Physics. If language acquisition is your goal, be sure the study abroad program offers language classes for foreign speakers and that they offer these classes at all levels.

Benefits

Benefits of Studying Abroad

There are countless benefits to studying abroad—broadened horizons, new perspectives, and marketable skills! If you’re interested in a career in international sectors or in the humanities, then studying abroad is a no-brainer. Your cross-cultural communication skills will improve tenfold, and you’ll have the opportunity to study a new language as well. But even if your long-term career goals aren’t internationally-oriented, you’ll still come away from study abroad as a more well-rounded person with cool stories to tell, having learned more than a few new things about yourself in the process.

You know all this, the real benefit will be the internal rewards you get from this experience. You will have memories that last a lifetime, you may make friends who you will be close to for the rest of your life, and you will look at the world through a new set of eyes. The transformation is so profound that students occasionally change their major, decide a career choice and perhaps modify their entire life plan after studying abroad.

There are many more benefits of studying abroad you've never even thought of, too.

Funding

Study Abroad Scholarships & Funding

Many students need financial help in order to study abroad. If you’re studying abroad and you expect to earn credits, federal financial aid may help cover the costs. Each university has its own policies, but most US universities will allow you to utilize federal financial aid as long as your credits are pre-approved and you enroll in the minimum number of classes to remain full-time (typically 12 credit hours during the semester and 6-9 credits in the summer. The best way to be sure is to consult your financial aid advisor, meet with your study abroad office, and talk to your academic advisor to be sure your credits will count. Institutional aid or scholarships from your home university have varied policies regarding their application to study abroad. Often, institutional aid is simply a discount and may not be used for study abroad. Other schools support study abroad and are willing to subsidize the experience by allowing your aid to be utilized.

If you don’t receive financial aid, or if you’re studying through a university or provider where you can’t apply your typical aid, then you may need to rely on study abroad scholarships, study abroad loans, or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel. Your study abroad department will also be a great lead on where to find study abroad scholarships and how to qualify. If you get creative, there are many other ways of paying for study abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is study abroad?

To put it simply, study abroad is a set time (perhaps a semester or year) when you pursue your academics overseas. This can be through a program at your home university, or it can be through an independent study abroad company in coordination with your university or degree program. Although studying abroad is typically done during college, you can try it out in high school too!

Can I study abroad?

You absolutely can study abroad! There may be a few requirements through your university, degree program, or study abroad provider though. For instance, some universities don’t allow you to study abroad with a GPA under 3.0. You’ll also need to consider your academic goals and how studying abroad fits in. For instance, are you an accounting major? You can still study abroad of course, but it may be a bit more difficult for you to find an opportunity in your degree track. Be sure to speak with your study abroad department or academic advisor to figure out the best move for you.

How long is study abroad?

Your study abroad program could be as short as two weeks, and as long as a full academic year. It could be during any season, and during any year of your academic career. How long your study abroad program lasts is up to you and your goals! Do you want to come home fluent in a second language? Then maybe a full academic year abroad is the right choice for you. Do you want to take fun electives or knock out a few additional credits outside the regular school year? Consider studying abroad for a couple months during the summer. Your study abroad department, academic advisor, and program coordinator will be able to help you decide.

And by the way, if you’re interested in earning your full degree abroad, there are lots of options!

What are some benefits of studying abroad?

There are countless benefits to studying abroad—broadened horizons, new perspectives, and marketable skills, just to name a few! If you’re interested in a career in international sectors or in the humanities, then studying abroad is a no brainer. Your cross cultural communication skills will improve tenfold, and you’ll have the opportunity to study a new language as well. But even if your long term career goals aren’t internationally-oriented, you’ll still come away from study abroad as a more well-rounded person with cool stories to tell, having had learned more than a few new things about yourself in the process.

How to get scholarships to study abroad

Most students need financial help in order to study abroad. If you’re studying abroad through your home university, the financial aid and scholarships you normally receive each semester will most likely cover at least part of the tuition. However, you’ll want to check with your financial aid office about the specifics.

If you don’t receive financial aid, or if you’re studying through a university or provider where you can’t apply your typical aid, then you may need to rely on study abroad scholarships, study abroad loans, or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel.

Your study abroad department will be a great lead on where to find study abroad scholarships and how to qualify. We’ve also put together the resources below to help you learn more about finding and securing funding for your study abroad experience.

What are the best study abroad programs like?

With so many study abroad programs available to you, how can you be sure which one is the one? To find the study abroad program that will suit you best, you’ll need to narrow down your goals. What do you want to learn? What do you want to see? Who do you want to be after studying abroad? Do you want 24/7 on-site support, pre-departure assistance, and resume writing help? And what are your absolute dealbreakers? Once you have your answers, it’ll be easy to find the best study abroad programs for you.

Latest Program Reviews

Life changing experience!!

October 05, 2026by: Ellison Keller - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

5

I cannot recommend this program enough. Everything from the housing, friends, social life, excursions, cost, and academics exceeded my expectations. I met so many incredible people I can't imagine my life without now. My perspective of the world broadened so much and I learned so much about the social and political climate of Latin America, though my classes and real world experiences. Do the study abroad you will not regret!!

Roadtrip with my besties!

A Fantastic Experience!

October 04, 2026by: Dana Loncar - United States

Program: Study Abroad in Málaga - Summer Session

5

The Expanish 50+ study abroad program in Malaga was amazing! The instructors were awesome and made the lessons engaging and fun. The cultural activities were really interesting and allowed for an excellent opportunity to learn about and experience the local history and culture. I highly recommend it!

Happy with what I got for the money

October 04, 2026by: Em Walters - United States

Program: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification online course $49

5

Fast forward to the end, I got my certificates all downloaded and emailed to a few recruiters, who have all okayed them, which is a big deal to me. What I paid for the course was a little mind boggling tbh, as the speed of responses was fast and with a caring attitude, and the course layout and material is excellent. I've marked them down for pre and post course because I saw that other courses had freebies like TEFL location guides to download and some lesson plans etc but I haven't seen anything like that here. Regardless, as I said, what I did happen to get was more than enough to make up for those other little things being amiss. I am so satisfied with the majority of things that I wouldn't hesitate to commend this company to others.

this was such a good experience!

October 04, 2026by: Megan Latham - United States

Program: Thailand: Speech, Occupational & AAC Adventure

5

I had an amazing time learning about the culture in Thailand while participating in therapeutic activities with amazing children. it was a life-changing experience and I’m so thankful that therapy abroad made it so special!

Lots of Wildlife and Very Kind Community

October 04, 2026by: Sofia Nuri - United States

Program: SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation

5

This study abroad experience was truly life changing. I had never been camping before and was a little intimidated, but the instructors and staff were so kind and helpful. I also got the experience of a lifetime on the safaris! I got to see lots of elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras. Would highly highly recommend!

The professors here explain everything thoroughly and have helped me so much

October 04, 2026by: Hiba Saed - United Kingdom

Program: New Anglia University Medical Doctor (MD) Program

5

I appreciate professors who explain the reasoning behind what we are learning, especially when it connects to practical medicine. Those are usually the classes I remember most. Practical relevance is important to me when I study.

My Experience With the MD Programme

October 03, 2026by: Nadia Karim - Anguilla

Program: New Anglia University Medical Doctor (MD) Program

5

I am in my first year of the MD programme at NAU, and one habit I have developed already is writing down questions while I study. Sometimes the question is about something very small, like a term I do not fully understand or a detail that was mentioned quickly in class. I still write it down because I know that if I clear up that small point, the rest of the topic usually becomes easier to follow. I also find that asking questions helps me remember the material for much longer. Once I have discussed something and properly understood why it works the way it does, it tends to stay in my head rather than feeling like something I memorised for a test. As a first-year student, I think this has been one of the better study habits I have picked up so far.

GREAT EXPERIENCE

October 02, 2026by: John Kreit - United States

Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

5

I spent 4 weeks in Cusco with Maximo Nivel. My level was high-intermediate. The school is outstanding and well organized, and my teachers were excellent. I learned a lot. My home stay went very well, with great food served for breakfast and dinner. I recommend this program for anyone, but I think it is most helpful for those who have at least a basic ability to speak and understand Spanish.

Best experience!

October 02, 2026by: Michaela Forbes - United States

Program: SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation

5

Studying abroad in Tanzania with SIT was the best decision I’ve ever made. I made so many incredible memories while on safari, staying with my host family and even completing my own wildlife research. It was such an educational and enriching experience. I learned so much about the country, the people, the wildlife as well as myself. Tanzania is still my favorite place I’ve ever traveled!

Transformative, Highly Recommend!

October 02, 2026by: Naturi Scott - United States

Program: SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation

5

This program absolutely changed my worldview! Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the immersive experiences and connections that I have as a result of this program. The staff are unbelievably inviting, talented, and caring. They are highly knowledgeable and invested in the learning, development, and wellbeing of students. If you are looking for a unique opportunity to expand your world while gain valuable research experience, this is the program for you.

This could be you;)

Best Decision I Ever Made!

October 02, 2026by: Vivian Arsenault - United States

Program: Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain with WorldStrides

4

Barcelona was the best home base ever! So easy to travel to and from on the weekends. So much to do and so many different foods to try. The public transportation system was super convenient and easy to use. Would give advice to future travelers to talk to everyone and make meaningful connections!

Overlooking the island of Malta

Loveee

October 02, 2026by: Sanette Monegro - United States

Program: Study Abroad at Korea University with WorldStrides

4

I honestly loved my time in Seoul. It was an amazing experience and it really opened my eyes to what’s outside of the United States. I was also able to travel to Japan (twice) and Thailand, so I really got to see different cultures.

New World

October 02, 2026by: Lilian Nevarez - United States

Program: Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea with WorldStrides

5

Hi! My name is Lily Nevarez, and I am a Biochemistry student at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). I love cooking, makeup, K-dramas, learning new languages, and, most importantly, exploring and experiencing new cultures. During my study abroad experience, I had the opportunity to spend an entire Wintermester in Seoul, South Korea, where I studied at Yonsei University. Yonsei is one of the most prestigious and iconic universities in South Korea, and if you are interested in Korean culture and studying abroad, it is definitely a university I would recommend exploring. I really recommend going to Yonsei with Worldstries because I think it has a program in which you can learn about and study the culture at the same time, here below is a video of my day to day life.

My friends and I last day

Once in a lifetime program!

October 01, 2026by: Sydney Gelhorn - United States

Program: SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation

5

This program was absolutely incredible. The staff, both the support staff and the teachers, were incredible. They made efforts to connect with each student on a personal level, and I am deeply grateful for at home they worked to make us feel. In what scenario are you doing school work and group projects while in National Parks and Widlife Reserves in Tanzania?! I learned a lot both academically and about myself as a person. So much love for this program!!

A life changing opportunity

October 01, 2026by: Brooke Su - United States

Program: SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation

5

I had a really impactful experience studying abroad in Tanzania in 2020. The teaching staff were all so valuable, insightful, and friendly, and we as students all felt taken care of during our time there. I learned so much through hands-on experience in the national parks on safari and learning Swahili while staying with my host family. This semester abroad has left a lasting impact on me and I hope to visit Tanzania again in the future.

I have great support here

October 01, 2026by: Ahsan Nourbakhsh - United Kingdom

Program: Premedical Program at New Anglia University

5

I am currently in my second year of the Premed programme at NAU, and one thing I have really appreciated throughout my time here is the support whenever I need it. I tend to have quite a few questions about my classes or things I am studying, especially when I come across something I do not fully understand. It is reassuring to know that I can ask and actually get an answer rather than having to figure everything out on my own. That has made the online Premed experience much more comfortable for me and has helped me stay confident with my studies.

Great program! Best semester ever!

October 01, 2026by: Bec Griffin - United States

Program: SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation

5

This program is amazing for anyone looking for cultural immersion, language immersion, incredible field experiences, and resume building research experience. Class is literally watching lions in the Serengeti.

Nice experience

October 01, 2026by: Daria S - Russia

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

I was in Chengdu for 2 weeks to study Chinese with Alex one-by-one. The laoshi helps me to improve my speaking skills and recommend me nice places to go. Thanks for good memory a had a very happy time in Chengdu, hope to come back one day x Also thanks to laoshi Pan Pan for good exchange of interesting music and fun time

Study in classPanda baseChunxi
LTL Language School logo
LTL Language School responded to this reviewOctober 02, 2026

2 weeks just goes by too fast! Thanks for your lovely words Daria :) It was a pleasure to have you. LTL Team

TEFL course review

October 01, 2026by: Seth Mills - United States

Program: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $39 with certificate

5

Impressed is the word I'll use. Yes, there is room for growth by including a community chatroom or something and maybe having buttons that I could've clicked if I wanted to flag something rather than messaging, but these are trivial compared to what I got in terms of training. I paid little but got lots, and that's why I chose them, and that's why I will recommend them to others.

I would do anything to do it all over again.

October 01, 2026by: Hannah Black - United States

Program: Study Abroad in Rome, Italy with WorldStrides

5

Studying abroad in Rome, Italy for a semester through WorldStrides was an unforgettable experience. I loved being able to take business courses while also getting to experience Italian culture, travel, and everyday life in a new country. Living in Rome pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow more independent while making memories and friendships that I’ll always cherish. I would absolutely recommend WorldStrides to anyone considering studying abroad!

Latest Interviews

Arseniy Ovchinnikov

Arseniy Ovchinnikov

The Academy of Tourism Antalya

Alumni

I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to gain international experience, improve my English, and learn from professionals in the hospitality ind...

Read Full Interview
Anastasiya Vinogradova

Anastasiya Vinogradova

The Academy of Tourism Antalya

Alumni

Growing up, I lived in Thailand and practiced tennis, so travel and new cultures always felt natural to me. 

Read Full Interview
Maria Huerta

Maria Huerta

European Centre for Career Education

Alumni

What inspired me to go abroad was not just curiosity, but the need to understand the systems that shape people's lives beyond borders. 

Read Full Interview
Andrew Messersmith

Andrew Messersmith

College Year in Athens

Alumni

What inspired me to go abroad was all of the different opportunities that my university provides. I believe that spending a semester abroad can be an ...

Read Full Interview
Jonathan Ulicny

Jonathan Ulicny

CES Maastricht

Alumni

I was inspired to travel abroad because of my commitment to learning more about international cultures and interacting with individuals across Europe....

Read Full Interview
Vanessa Chairez

Vanessa Chairez

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Alumni

I was inspired to go about because it truly is a once in a lifetime experience and we are only this young once, so why not take advantage of that. It ...

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Bethel University Global Studies

Alumni

My family has been my motivation and inspiration to go abroad. I come from a family where most of us are complacent with small, everyday life. My fami...

Read Full Interview
Kesa Ferguson

Kesa Ferguson

Academic Programs International

Alumni

My brother was my primary inspiration to go abroad; seeing his transformative experience in China showed me how much a global perspective can change a...

Read Full Interview
Lia-Mara Bösch

Lia-Mara Bösch

StudyInBali

Alumni

What inspired me to go abroad was partly a requirement of my university, as we have to either complete an internship or study abroad for one semester.

Read Full Interview
John Peterson

John Peterson

Instituto Hemingway

Alumni

Going abroad was inspired by my desire to step outside my comfort zone and experience life from a different perspective. I wanted to improve my langua...

Read Full Interview
José Gonzalo Solís Baca

José Gonzalo Solís Baca

European Centre for Career Education

Alumni

Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to experience other cultures deeply inspires me. Going abroad allows me to build genu...

Read Full Interview
Amal Azabova

Amal Azabova

European Centre for Career Education

Alumni

Although I graduated some time ago and currently live in Prague, I felt a strong desire to return to a structured academic environment. I wanted to re...

Read Full Interview
Elise Monroe

Elise Monroe

Academic Programs Abroad (APA)

Alumni

I was always determined to study abroad because of the stories my dad told me about his own time living overseas. He once spoke French fluently, and I...

Read Full Interview
Mikhail Mikhaylov

Mikhail Mikhaylov

Learn Russian in the European Union

Alumni

I wanted to deepen my understanding of the post-Soviet region through direct immersion, especially given my academic focus on conflict mediation. The ...

Read Full Interview
Makayla Ross

Makayla Ross

IES Abroad

Alumni

Studying abroad was not a part of my original 4-year plan. I'd anticipate joining campus clubs, meeting new people and making lifelong friendships, an...

Read Full Interview
Grant Dockery

Grant Dockery

IES Abroad

Alumni

This was not my first experience studying abroad. I have always loved traveling and experiencing new cultures (I'm a big foodie). I also adore languag...

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Eddie Kaake

Eddie Kaake

CES Maastricht

Alumni

I had known from a young age that I wanted to study far from home, but due to the illness of one of my parents, I was afraid to make that jump. After ...

Read Full Interview
Jon Shepherd

Jon Shepherd

Bethel University Global Studies

Alumni

My first trip abroad was to Mexico when I was in college, studying Spanish. That experience changed everything for me; it brought the language to life...

Read Full Interview
Anika Freestone

Anika Freestone

Phezulu Pre-Vet

Alumni

I’ve always wanted to go to Africa, or specifically South Africa, to experience and work with its wildlife since I was a little girl. I’ve wanted to e...

Read Full Interview
Janie Kilby

Janie Kilby

Forum-Nexus Study Abroad

Alumni

All three of my older brothers participated in study abroad, and from their experiences and adventures, I discovered my inspiration to have similar ad...

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